Due to their contribution to the fight against crime, 27 January is earmarked as National Police Day. A day when the police officers from all divisions are acknowledged around South Africa.
In honour of this annual event, on Friday, 27 January 2023, police officers from the Amajuba District gathered at The Pines to celebrate the day. Standing under the beating sun, the officers from Newcastle and its neighbouring towns participated in a 10km fun run/walk.
Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam chatted with Newcastillian News, saying, “The day was focused on having fun and showing appreciation to all the SAPS staff.”
Adding to this, the Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner General Fred Alexander stated, “Today has been sanctioned as National Police Day and it is important for each and every officer to get together on the day.”
He further clarified that while there were community members who gave the police flak about their duties, these officers often endured challenges that many were unaware of.
“It is difficult to measure what the police officers endure. But, we go through it. We attend domestic violence cases, murder scenes and going through all that we do as police officers. However, it does occasionally get a bit difficult and affects our lives.”
While General Alexander told that officers attend debriefing sessions to assist them in dealing with traumatic cases—he said there were officers who found themselves becoming a victim to what they endured on a daily basis.
“Hence, community support is important, as we do policing on behalf of the community and we can get killed while defending others,” he said.
Considering this, General Alexander emphasised that while local police would continue striving to do their best within the community, it was important for residents to come forward if there were any issues within the law enforcement sector so that these problems could be addressed.
Moreover, residents were encouraged to collaborate with the police to combat crime.
While a celebratory atmosphere prevailed at Friday’s event, General Alexander reminded police officers that with threats of a national shutdown circulating, it was imperative for them to remain vigilant.
With National Police Day proving to be a success and local law enforcement enjoying laughter on a hot summer’s morning, let us acknowledge these men and women who work to uphold law and order.
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